PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Dawood Hercules Corporation Limited

June 28, 2019

Lahore, June 28, 2019 (PPI-OT): The ratings reflect Dawood Hercules Corporation Limited’s (DH Corp) strong profile as an InvestCo holding significant investments through it’s subsidiary Engro Corp. Divestment in Hub Power Company Limited at healthy gains has led to accumulation of sizeable liquid funds. The Company continues to hold these funds in money market instruments and has recently started investing in blue chip market securities indicating very strong liquidity. DH Corp is exploring new investments avenues to add to its portfolio including those in the technology sector.

Meanwhile, DH Corp is expected to have a steady and increasing dividend stream from it’s subsidiary, Engro Corp, which has announced a new investment of up to PKR 7.5bln in the telecom sector in April’19 through Enfrashare, a wholly owned subsidiary of Engro Infiniti. Further, Engro Energy Limited have also announced significant investments in the energy sector. The business acumen of the sponsoring family and strong governance practices provide support to the ratings.

The ratings require upholding strong overall risk profile and prudent investment policy by the Company. DH Corp enjoys sizeable liquid funds from divestment in HUBCO, giving it ample liquidity and cushion for debt servicing. At the same time, the management’s commitment to maintain existing debt levels and coverages would be critical.